EP 164: ARM, ARM Earning, Agentic CPU Inflections, A World of Constraints

The Circuit · 11 May 2026 · 1h 01m · Episode 167

What this episode covers

Ben Bajarin and Jay Goldberg discuss the semiconductor industry's 'agentic CPU' surge, driven by the need to execute AI-generated code, which is causing massive demand for high-core-count CPUs from ARM and AMD. They analyze the 'ultimate constraint' of anhydrous hydrogen bromine, a gas critical for EUV lithography and memory production, highlighting supply chain risks involving Japanese refiner Resonac and Israeli raw materials. The hosts also critique 'Neo Cloud' players like CoreWeave and Nebius for their strategic deficit in CPU install base compared to hyperscalers, and break down recent earnings from ARM, AMD, and SiTime, while noting breaking news of a potential foundry deal between Intel and Apple.

Mentioned

Companies
ARM, AMD, Resonac, CoreWeave, Nebius, Iron, SiTime, Intel, Apple, Nvidia, TSMC, Samsung, Momentum Data Systems, AiiO, Marada
Products
Helios, MI450, Vera Rubin, Elite 2 Super TCXO

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